Assessment of Steering Column After Accident Damage

Assessment of steering column after accident damage
Fundamentals
Various kinds of damage can be caused to the steering columns in the event of accidents or driving conditions resembling accidents. In cases where the steering column shows no external damage it can be difficult to detect damage. This damage represents an unacceptable risk for the vehicle, since it could lead to failure of the steering system.
The following guidelines help in deciding whether the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident should be replaced or may continue to be used.

Assessment of the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident
The steering column can remain in the vehicle if all the following conditions are met:
^ No visible damage (breakage, cracks, deformation) to such front-axle parts as steering arms, steering gear, steering column mountings, steering wheel and airbag unit, wheel rims, wheel bearing housing (wheel carriers), track rods, steering shaft or to the points on the body where wheel suspension parts are bolted on.
^ No unacceptable rise in torque and no jamming or catching when the steering gear is turned from stop to stop. When the steering is turned, the front wheels must be free (front axle raised) and, in addition, the engine must be switched off (pump of power steering undriven).
^ The steering column does not catch/jam when turned separately without steering gear.
^ No end clearance in the steering column.

The steering column must be replaced if one of the following points applies:
^ Impact is felt by occupants.
^ Airbag was inflated. Gap set for slots to console is greater than 0.5 mm. Visible or detectable damage to the steering column.
^ Play in steering shaft line.
^ Fire damage.
^ If automatic adjustment does not function perfectly for vehicles with electrically adjustable steering columns (the axial and/or vertical adjustment time from stop to stop is too long, unusual noises are heard in this area).
^ The steering intermediate shaft and/or a universal joint on another component is touching or has clearance of less than 5 mm. The steering wheel is more than 10° out of line when the marking for steering centre position overlaps.

If permanent deformation, breakage, cracks or play are detected in:
^ steering gear,
^ steering column mountings,
^ track rods,
^ steering arms,
^ spring struts,
^ wheel carriers, control arms,
^ front axle carrier (suspension subframe)

the steering column must be checked according to the criteria listed.

Checking the steering column of a vehicle involved in an accident





The gap set on the steering column can still be used. The -gap X- can be maximum 0.5 mm. If the gap is larger, the steering column must be replaced. In this case, the driver is forced against the steering wheel in an accident and has pushed the slots in the steering module in the direction of travel. The gap X can be checked using a feeler gauge.
If the listed criteria are insufficient for a decision, we recommend that the steering column be replaced.